Terrific 10 Months!

Ok so I've totally dropped the ball and missed posting about Nolan's 10 month birthday.  MOM FAIL!

 Little Nolan you are on the go non-stop.  Ever since you figured out to crawl you've decided that toys are no longer fun and that house objects are more appealing.  Everything that you can touch also becomes a place to pull up on.  It could be the fridge, a table, the fireplace, a toy box, glider ottomans, toilets, and anything that is probably not a good idea to put your weight on.  Speaking of weight, you are probably a little over 20 lbs and over 28 inches in length.  You've finally reached a higher percentile in weight at a big whopping 25%.  I was just glad to get you out of the 5-10%! 

You still love your baths and being outside.  You still love pulling grass up, but you put it in your mouth a little less.  I moved your crib to the bottom setting in fear of you toppling over since half your body was standing over the side.  You are still a good eater, and we've been introducing yogurt and other new items. 

You say "Ma-Ma" but not sure you connect it with me yet.  You're still in love with your books and flip the pages.  You're going to be such a smart boy!

 I can't believe you are going to be a year old...but it is steadily approaching.  Once you start walking around I think it will freak me out since you will be more of a "toddler" than a "baby."

Can't wait to see what kind of little boy you become...but I'll be holding onto these last glimpses of your babyhood while I can.

You Can Find Me...

You can find me over at Life's Recipe where I will be filling in for my bloggy pal Sara.  I'm sharing a very interesting car purchasing story.  So check it out!

Guest post at Life's Recipe

If you don't follow Sara already, take a look around while you're there.  I'm sure you'll enjoy her sarcastic humor just as much as I do!

Not Another Manic Monday

Usually I am never wanting my weekends to end.  However, after a weekend full of traveling with the little one I'm always glad to get home and get back into routine.  It's always so stressful visiting family because you are always worried if your kid will actually sleep/nap and what kind of mood they are going to be in while visiting with all the different people.  I'm happy to report that Nolan did great this weekend.  He was a really good sport to see all the family and to go visit some of my old friends.  He was so worn out that he passed out before we left my parents' driveway.  He slept about half the drive home which is always helpful.  I'm glad to be sleeping in my bed tonight, and Nolan has already found his crib.

Here's a pic with my friends and their daughters.  Nolan is the only boy in the bunch, and he doesn't mind that one bit!

 So hello Monday...I am actually happy to see you this time!

Recipes for Easy, Breezy Motherhood-A Mischmashed Life

Happy Friday everyone!  Today you'll find me at Mikka's-a mischmashed life in her guest blogger series:  Recipes for Easy, Breezy Motherhood.  This is only my second guest post, so I was super excited when Mikka asked me to give my recipe.  Head on over to find out my tips and to check out Mikka's stylish blog and beautiful family!

Recipes for Easy, Breezy Motherhood

It's The Simple Things in Life--Long Week Edition

This week has been a pretty long and challenging one, but I'm going to end it on a positive note by focusing on the the simple things that bring me joy.

*I am appreciating that my little guy is now back to his regular sleeping routine.  Whatever it was waking him up, I hope it stays far, far away!

*I am appreciating his little toothy grin.  He has the funniest laugh, and it's definitely contagious!

*I am appreciating the fact that I have been steadily knocking items off of my to-do list.  It might not be quick, but I am making progress.

*I am appreciating the new Hawaiian ice cream shop in my city.  They have AWESOME shaved ice that is done to perfection!

*I am appreciating that I've been reading more books lately. I've always loved reading, so I'm glad to get back into it.

What are the simple things in your life this week that you have been enjoying?

Ready, Set, Go!

Ok I've been promising a video of Nolan's uniqure crawling skills for awhile, so finally here is the video.  He's so fast now that I can hardly keep up with him!

Can I Get a Refund?

I hope all of you had a great weekend, I however would like to get a refund for the weekend I had.  Or maybe just an exchange for a fun and relaxing one.  Instead this is what I got:

*Little boy was in the worst mood EVER.  Not sure if it was teeth and his tummy but he was ridiculous.  Nothing made him happy.

*He woke up non-stop on Saturday night.  I think he had gas or at least that's what I think it was.

*Last night he woke up twice but nothing as bad as Saturday night.

*Sunday my husband starting coming down with a cold.

*Now he's in the bed trying to sleep it off.

*I just hope to goodness little boy doesn't get it.

*And the stupid workers next door are STILL working.  It's been over a week.  They are replacing windows and siding.  It is taking FOREVER.  All I keep hearing is the sawing and hammering.  You would think they were building a house from scratch at this point.

Hope your week is getting started off on a better foot than mine. If not, go back to bed and pull the covers over your head.

Life's Lessons: Where Did This Year Go Edition

And it's Friday!  Even though I'm a SAHM and don't have a normal work week I still get excited about the weekends.  It's time to link  up with Sara & Rach to share the lessons you were schooled in this week.
1) Really is it almost September? Weren't we just bringing in the new year?

2) Ever since Nolan was born I feel like time has been on fast forward.

3) At the mother's night out, one mommy dropped by to show off her 4 week old.  I had a hard time even remembering that little baby boy was that small.  But he was...and now he's growing up.

4) His one year birthday party is just around the corner. I've started planning but still so much to do.  I need a pause button so I can catch up or a million dollars to hire a party planner.

5) Is it really almost holiday season? Wow. That's all I have to say about that.

6) Guess I should figure out what kind of toys/games that a one year old like.  I AM CLUELESS in this department.

7) And clothes for that age...well are just not cute.  What's up with that?  I guess he'll be going naked this fall/winter because I can't find clothes that I actually want to buy him.

8) The end of the year also means I have a big birthday coming up.  We'll just pretend it's not going to happen and that I'm not getting any older.  Birthdays are for kids, right?

Now it's your turn!  Have a fabulous weekend!

It's the Simple Things in Life

This is the first time I am linking up with Jesslyn Amber, but my bloggy friend The Workaholic Momma has been for awhile so I thought I would give it a shot.  I think it's always good to slow down and realize that the simple things in life are really what matter.

*I am appreciating the time I spent taking a stroll with an old friend last night and catching up.  It's so nice to get out and enjoy the outdoors with a friend and also get the little one out of the house.  We're going to try to do it once a week!

*I am appreciating that tonight my mother in law is coming to watch the little one so I can attend a mother's night out with the Stroller Strides group.  I really haven't spent much time with them outside of the actual workout so this should be fun.  And hey margaritas are being served!

*I am appreciating the fact that we are finally seeing some hints of cooler weather.  I can't wait for fall!

*I am appreciating that my little boy is actually becoming a little boy.  It's kind of bittersweet, yet exciting all at the same time.

*I am appreciating my husband for being such a wonderful father to our son.

*I am appreciating that my new roof is finally done after two days of hammers and noise.  It's nice to get back to a sense of normalcy and nap time!

What simple things in life are you enjoying this week?

Down the Aisle-With Mommy of a Monster & Twins!

Natalie at Mommy of a Monster & Twins is hosting a great link up called Down the Aisle.  All you have to do is pick out your favorite picture from your wedding and link up.  I couldn't limit mine to just one so I cheated and used three.  So dig out that photobook and share your pics of your lovely wedding day!

If you haven't visited Natalie's blog...head on over!  She has some hilarious moments with her monster and her two adorable twin girls!

Cruisin' for a Bruisin'

This past weekend I realized that my future is going to be filled with lots of band-aids and neosporin...

*Nolan decided to head butt me on my cheek bone leaving him with his first bruise on his forehead.  He should have known he was going to lose that battle.

*He thinks it is really cool to pull on the books out of the bookcase.  Not sure if he received a cut on his knee from the books or the bookcase, however he did receive his first "boo-boo" band-aid because he was seriously bleeding NON-STOP.

*He was playing with his daddy when he decided he would go head first over dad's arm and face plant on the hardwood floor.  Pretty sure that's gonna leave a mark.

This was pretty much all in one day, so I can't imagine what life will be like when he's walking.  I think I need to take out stock in the band-aid brand ASAP.

In other news, my husband and I went to the store where he purchased my engagement ring and our wedding bands.  We went to get my rings all shined and cleaned up, and I must say I totally forgot how shiny they can be!  ***I may or may not have suggested some anniversary presents while browsing the store.***

Hope you had a great weekend---with less cuts and scrapes of course!

Life's Lessons: All Things Car Edition

And here we are looking at another Friday...yes I can feel fall within my grasp!  Time to link up with my pals Sara & Rach again!

1) Why do I always find myself behind the car that is constantly braking?  You know the car that sees a leaf in the road or a car going the opposite direction and just has to use that brake pedal.  It drives me bonkers!  Not to mention your internal instinct makes you want to push the brake too!  ARGH!

2) Why do people find it necessary to ride your bumper when you are behind a long line of cars and can't go anywhere?  Yeah guess what...riding my bumper is not going to get you where you are going any faster.  Jokes on you because this week the cop pulled you over when you tried to speed past everyone!

3) Why do people go through the drive-thru at Sonic?  I never understood this...especially if the line is wrapped around the whole place.  Wouldn't make more since to have already put in your order at the little stand?  UM DUH!  Of course you are going to get your food/drink faster because YOU HAVE ACTUALLY PLACED AN ORDER!

4) Have people forgotten how to use their blinkers?  I mean really was it totally necessary for you to pull out in front of me just to be making the next turn WITHOUT SIGNALING? 

5) Why do I always find myself the people that are from out of town that have no idea where they are going?  It never fails that I'll be in the left lane while other people are flying past me in the right lane because guess who is in front of me....an OUT OF STATE plate!

6) Ok this is non-car related, but must make the list.  Why in the world do I have a wrong number call at 5am???  Who is calling to chat at 5am and for that matter it's happened twice!

There you go, the lessons of the week.  Head over and share what you learned this week!  Have a great weekend!

Summer Fun Show-Off 2011!

If you aren't a follower of Shell's blog, you totally should be.  She's got another great link up this week so head on over and show your summer fun!

 Hope you are having a wonderful summer too! (If you link up, you can possibly win prizes from Ubisoft)

Where Did My Weekend Go?

I had a pretty great weekend.  I started it off with a much needed pedicure for my neglected toes:

And I went with my friend Lisa so we could talk and catch up!

Lisa and I at my bridal shower back in 2007

Lisa and I at my baby shower last year

My husband fixed our noisy toilet, and I even talked him into going to the grocery store with me!

My friend Mary Catherine got engaged! I have not attended any wedding this year, so I am excited about attending hers next year!

Mary Catherine on the far right--at my wedding 2007

MC and I at my engagement/Halloween party 2006!

I also found a place to stay for our beach vacation in September and started reading my book!

I had this guy waking up with crazy hair:

 It pretty much was the perfect weekend....ahhh darn is it Monday already?

Life's Lessons: Operation Keep Baby Out of Trouble

T-G-I-F, T-G-I-F! Chant it with me!  So that means it is time to link up with Sara & Rach for the weekly installment of Life's Lessons.  Here's what I learned:

1) Power cords are really cool. EVEN if the cord is hidden away it will be found and either yanked or chewed on.  Because that's what they were made for right?

2) He doesn't forget EVER.  He always remembers that he's done something and even if distracted he will go back and do it again.  This child is persistent I must say.

3) How did he even learn how to open a cabinet door?  Is it wired in his DNA?  No matter where the door is, he will adapt and learn how to open it whether it has a knob or by just opening it from the bottom.

4) Dog bowls are the coolest thing since sliced bread.  I am probably starving my dogs and letting them get dehydrated because I am constantly putting the bowls out of reach.  The shiny metal is irresistable!

5) Everything should be attempted to be pulled up on.  Including the toilet, cabinet drawers, marble mantles, and the list just keeps growing.

6) When outside, grass should always be put in your mouth.  Hey it's got extra protein for all that crawling.

7) Changing diapers are so much more fun if you are rolling over and over.  The floor looks great decorated with poop.

8) That fuzz that hangs underneath the couch (and why do couches have this?) should be torn and put straight into your mouth.  It's got great texture.

9) Toys are no longer fun when the world AKA my house is within your grasp.

10) Puffs are more tasty if you stick 10 in your mouth at a time.

Hope you learned a lot this week and go link up to share your lessons!

P.S. Please keep Sara at Life's Recipe (who co-hosts this linky) in your thoughts and prayers...her father passed away unexpectedly. 

A Tired Thursday

Did anyone else have crazy thunderstorms last night?  The thunder was so loud that it woke up little boy at midnight which NEVER happens anymore.  The lightning was so bright that it kept shining right in his window along with the thunder that was vibrating the walls.  So needless to say I'm lacking some shuteye this morning.  I need COFFEE ASAP.

However I can't drink too much because today I'm having a medical exam for a life insurance policy this afternoon.  You know so if I kick the bucket I can leave the husband with enough money to take care of little boy. So only one cup of coffee for this girl this morning.

So you know how I've been packing up baby clothes in the space bags?  Well has anyone else noticed that they don't work?  I looked in the closet only to find that once was already letting air in and expanding.  This is not the first bag that I've had that does this.  I find this very annoying.  Speaking of annoying, I literally have been behind 4 people this week in the checkout line who were writing checks.  Again, I didn't realize that this still happened but apparently writing checks and pulling the driver's license out for the number to put on the check is still in practice. 

Anyways, hope everyone is gearing up for the weekend...it's almost here!

I'm a Big Kid Now!

I recently purchased some new PJs for Nolan while I was at Target.  I went ahead and bought the 12 month two pieces thinking it will be awhile before he can fit into these.  Because in my mind, babies seems so much older when they are in two piece clothing than when they are in onesies or rompers.  So I decide hmmm maybe I should go ahead and wash these.  Well....here's the end result:

They actually fit!  And honestly they don't look like he will be in them very long.  Maybe I should have bought the 18 month jammies!

On a side note...I have recently finished two books!  I used to be a big reader, so I'm excited to get back into it.  I read "Drowning Ruth" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and both were pretty good.  It took me awhile to get into the second one, but it really picked up towards the middle.  I would definitely recommend both of these if you are looking for some late summer reads.  Next  I am going to read "The Help" and then "The Girl Who Played with Fire." I'm kind of all over the place when it comes to the types of books I read so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!



A Day of Reflection

I must say that for the last few days I've felt very happy and fulfilled in my life.  Maybe it's the fact that we had a relaxing-nothing-planned weekend or because I know fall is right around the corner.  Or it could be that I'm really enjoying Nolan right now.  He's just so much fun right now because he can really interact with us.  He's always giggling and crawling faster when he knows he's getting into something he shouldn't be AKA the dog bowls or power cords.  Even though I have to watch him like a hawk and continually *TRY* to keep my floor clean, I am still having fun watching him learn and grow. 

Hope everyone is having a fantastic Monday!